Emotiva mc-700 and phono pre OR Marantz AV7702 or similar

[ziegi]

Hi all,

I'm hoping you can help me make a decision. I currently have a B&K Reference 7250 and am in need of a Pre-amp/Processor. I also have a turntable that I do use frequently.

I was considering buying an Emotive MC-700 along with a phono stage like the Musical Fidelity LX-LPS. Now the MC-700 is somewhat disappointingly pared down in features, even less so than it's predecessor but I think all that I may be missing is a way to stream files over the network.

Then I saw a Marantz AV7702 with it's feature and it's review. The price of the Marantz and the Emotive combo is pretty much identical for me...

Question 1: Would the Emotiva combo sound better than the Marantz?
Question 2: Would the LX-LPS phono stage be better than the Marantz when using a MM cart?

Incidentally, alternative suggestions for about 1000USD welcome.

Thanks all!

 

[Ross6860]

FWIW I sold my MC-700 after a very short period of time. Maybe 3 months.

IMO sound quality was poor, video syncing was terrible. I used it with a very nice amp, an ATI 1505.

I took a big loss on it. I would not recommend it.

Replaced it with an Onkyo TX-RZ810 and it's easier to use and sounds better. YMMV

 

[ziegi]

Well I guess I'll see I ordered it, will be here this weekend. Didn't get too much feedback on this one. One thing that concerned me a bit straight away was the fact that compared to the UMC-200 they dropped a bunch of inputs... smells like they are cheaping out. But sound is king. I'll see shortly. I have an older Onkyo now, absolutely the worst piece I've ever owned. It was one of those HDMI board issue receiver the NR7008... worst phono preamp ever as well. Lot's of things really. Anyways, sure hope I pick something good this time around.

 

[JoeESP9]

UMC-200 owner here. Very satisfied with it.